Late 1940s postcard of Williams Theater in Ashdown, Arkansas. The theater was built in 1947. Columnist John Moore’s father, Jimmy, was a projectionist there in the mid-1950s. Courtesy John Moore Growing up, movies weren’t just a Saturday night diversion. They were...
Major U.S. businesses are adjusting operations, laying off employees or reducing hours in response to the coronavirus outbreak. It’s uncharted territory for the nation, and companies from large brands to small businesses, like everyone else, are operating without...
Ask Rusty – Social Security for Children and Younger Wife Dear Rusty: I am 59. My wife is 48 and has been a stay at home mom for 15 years. We have children aged 13, 10, and 5. I know it makes sense to delay the start of benefits, but I understand that it’s more...
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, so let’s talk trash for a moment. The plastic kind. Bags, bottles, cutlery, straws, containers, razors, cosmetics, and so much more. Around the world, in our effort to package everything imaginable over the years, we are...
For Christian Americans celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Sunday, April 12, the timing could not be more appropriate. Citizens have been forewarned that the apex of this COVID-19 pandemic is about to hit the U.S. For some, that strikes a chord of fear, but...
Ask Rusty – About the Dreaded “IRMAA” Provision Dear Rusty: About a month or two ago I was notified that my Social Security was being reduced from $1,583 a month to about $1,283 a month - a $300 deduction! They said it was because my income was over the limit on my...
Saddened. Embarrassed. Determined. These three words evoke distinct feelings and emotions. In the context of an opinion piece we ran in the last week’s paper, they describe the aftermath of a community that lost its newspaper. After 130 years in business, the Commerce...
This week the media is focusing on Sunshine Week. It is a time to celebrate a free press and what it means for you and your community to have access to public information. Several weeks ago, I read a letter that should be shared with every community. While the message...
Dear Rusty: Can or does the Social Security Administration occasionally make mistakes in determining the benefits due? I’m now 72 but I retired early at age 61 and knew that my benefits would be reduced. I’ve always wondered if my monthly benefit calculation was...
